New book addresses topical education issues

Two USQ lecturers have defended the nation's teachers in the face of increasing scrutiny through a new book (Re) Presenting Education.

Education lecturer, Andrew Hickey, and Education Deputy Dean Associate Professor, Jon Austin, penned the book to address the current perception of teachers and education in Australia.

'This book was written in response to the negative images of teachers in the community and media,' Mr Hickey said.

'Over the last 20 years teaching has become demonised and many see teachers as people who, for example, are incompetent and unable to spell.'

With the increase of pressure on teachers from all sectors, Mr Hickey said that the book looked at the issues from the teacher's point of view.

'Education is something on which everyone seems to have an opinion and they feel that they have a right to comment on and it is an emotive issue here in Australia,' he said.

'What we have done with the book is address these issues from the teacher's perspective.'

Associate Professor Austin said the pair interviewed educators from across the nation over a two year period when compiling the book.

'Teaching is no longer a tactful profession and there is the perception out there that teachers are failing their students,' he said.

'What we did is talk to students, teachers and school representatives about their experiences and what we found is that the images out there and the reality are two different things.'

Although the perception of teachers has changed significantly, it has not deterred the enthusiasm of USQ's education students.

'Our students are aware of the bad press and in the first year of University we teach a course that explains to them how the profession is seen within the community,' Mr Hickey said.

'When they come we also ask them why they want to be teachers and even though they know what some people think about teaching they are still determined to make a difference.'

Media Contact: Josh Ada, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 1628